Luke's Sweet Chapter 02-01
Overview
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Guide
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Script
Antique Shop
You: Luke, I'm here.
On the morning of your day off, you push open the doors to Time's Antiquities as usual.
However, the warm smile that had cemented itself in your imagination is not waiting for you.
You: (Huh, no one's here?)
Doubtful, you take a few steps inside to find Luke squatting in front of a wooden cabinet door.
You: (Luke!?)
Searching for something with a slight frown on his face, Luke doesn't notice your arrival.
You: (What a rare opportunity... Let me give him a "surprise.")
You imagine what kind of expression he'll show you as you tiptoe over to him...
Just when you're about to cover his eyes from behind, he suddenly turns around.
You: !!!
Luke: Huh, you...?
After a brief silence, you feel somewhat guilty and take a preemptive strike.
You: You scared me! Why did you turn around all of a sudden? I wanted to greet you...
Luke: Just a "greeting"?
Luke closes the cabinet door and walks over to you as a smirk appears on his face.
Luke: Hmph, if someone wants to approach me with "bad" intentions, I can feel it immediately.
You: What do you mean by "bad" intentions? I was just... Ah, never mind!
You almost blurt out your intentions in a moment of carelessness, so you rush to change the subject.
You: Just out of curiosity, why were you crouching there?
Luke blinks, then sighs helplessly.
Luke: I was looking for tools... This morning, a client brought in an antique that he wanted me to restore.
Luke: He said it was urgent and wanted it restored by noon.
Luke: I didn't want to take the job, but after seeing the sincerity on his face... I gave in.
Luke: However, I didn't expect the model to be so old. The structure is also complicated, which requires many special parts to be replaced...
Luke: So I've been busy looking for the parts and repair tools.
Luke points at the old watch on the workbench. Even the dim light cannot hide its splendor.
It seems that is the "urgent job" that he had received this morning.
You: What an exquisite watch! Judging from its appearance... it does look pretty old.
Luke: Yes, according to the client, it was passed down to him from his grandparents, so it has great sentimental value.
Luke: He was in a hurry to get it fixed, so there must have been an important reason.
Luke: However...
You: What is it? Something wrong with the job this time?
Luke's abnormal behavior piques your curiosity. You stare at him for a few seconds, watching his face flush with a layer of red.
Luke: No, I just won't be able to hang out with you today, since I have to handle this urgent restoration...
You: ...
Luke's tone is natural and frank, and you can't help but feel a warmth in your heart.
You: No worries, we can fix it together!
You: Watching you restore antiques will be a new "dating experience" for me.
You: And didn't "Mr. Pearce" promise me a live demonstration on how to restore antiques?
Luke: ...
Luke: I had planned... to show you when I was ready...
Luke: But now that you said that, I guess "there's no better time than the present." So allow me to demonstrate my skills today!
You: Yeah!
You nod and walk over to Luke's workbench, waiting for his next move.
Luke then walks over to the workbench and puts the prepared parts and tools on the table one by one...
Luke: The most important thing when restoring antiques is being meticulous...
Luke's eyes are laser-focused, blocking all distractions that would prevent him from restoring the old watch.
And you stand by, watching his every movement attentively, without knowing how much time passes.
The old and faded antique gradually comes to life in his hands, bit by bit...
You: Luke, you're incredible...
You: I knew you were skilled with your hands, but when I see you in action... it really takes my breath away.
You: If only I could be as skilled as you...
Luke: Oh? Want to give it a shot?
You: Yeah! Your live demonstration just proves that you will be the best instructor.
You: I just don't know if I'm capable of doing it...
Luke: Don't worry, you'll be great.
Luke: As it happens, I found a batch of antiques some time ago and finished my preliminary inspection. I don't think it'll be difficult to restore them.
Luke: If you're free, how about I guide you in the restoration?
You: Really?
Luke: Yeah, you'll be fine with my "guidance."
You: Sure, I'll give it a shot when I'm free.
Luke smiles, then looks back down and resumes the restoration...
Time passes as the antique clock ticks little by little... and you have no idea how long the restoration is going to take.
But you glance at Luke's face, feeling an immeasurable sweetness instead of the pain of waiting.
A mixture of warmth and dreaminess rises from within as you recall how Luke would pass the time when he waited for you to get off work...
Luke: What's wrong? Is something on your mind?
The sound of Luke's voice pulls you back to reality, and only then do you realize you were daydreaming.
You: Not really...
You: I was just curious if this is how you felt while waiting for me to get off work.
Luke: What... are you feeling right now?
You: Waiting doesn't seem painful at all. There is a sense of calm, and... anticipation.
It could just be your imagination, but Luke seems to be watching you ever so tenderly.
Luke: I feel the same way when I wait for you. Sometimes, I even felt happy...
Luke: The time that I spent waiting for you belonged only to me...
You: ...
You: (Luke is becoming more and more of a sweet-talker.)
You: All right, are you gonna get back to the watch?
Luke: Almost done. I'm just putting on the finishing touches!
You: Yeah.
Luke focuses back on the antique watch and starts to clean it up.
You look around casually, marveling at the years represented by all the antiques and collectibles brought in by different clients.
Suddenly, you spot an old tape recorder not far away. It reminds you of a similar one that Grandpa Orozco asked Luke to restore...
You: Oh, right! How's Grandpa Orozco doing?
You: He didn't pick up the last time we called him from North Stellis... Were you able to give him the fixed tape recorder?
Luke: Don't worry. I was able to contact him after returning from North Stellis.
Luke: He said there was something wrong with his phone that day, so that's why we couldn't reach him.
You: So that's what happened...
Luke: After I returned the fixed tape recorder, he thanked me by sending me off with a lot of snacks he made himself.
You: Grandpa Orozco is really kind.
Luke smiles while nodding and goes back to cleaning the watch...
Luke: There, done!
...While you were looking around, Luke had already finished the work at hand.
He holds it carefully in the palm of his hand, showing you the complete restored version.
The antique watch has lost all traces of its former gloom, showing a beautiful luster instead.
You: It looks more remarkable than I imagined... Amazing!
Luke: How about it? I'm pretty good, right?
You: Yeah, the whole process was a sight to behold.
Luke: I was saving the chance for you to see it live.
You: Wow, lucky me.
You thoroughly inspect the restored watch, which glistens in the sunlight. The markings on the dial are bright and clear as if given a new life.
You: So the restoration is complete?
Luke: Yeah, it's done. But I still have to package it so that it won't get damaged in transit.
As he speaks, Luke takes out foam paper and protective film...
Luke: By the way, can you help me bring some letters and packages from the door to the second floor?
Luke: I was so busy with the restoration that I forgot to clean up...
You: Okay. *sigh*... I didn't expect to work "part-time" at an antique shop after getting off work as an attorney.
Luke: Huh?
Luke is stunned for a moment, before immediately realizing that you are "teasing" him.
Then he puts down his things and comes to your side, stooping close to your ear.
Luke: You're not doing "part-time" here. You're...
Luke: Also part owner.
You: ...
Your "prank" gets resolved, just like that...
You: I... I'll move the things to the second floor.
Just as you're about to leave, Luke grabs your wrist delicately.
He takes you into his arms, his nose brushing against your cheek with a warm smile that reaches his eyes.
Luke is silent, smirking as if he can see right through you.
You: ...
You: Luke! Are you gonna let me move things or not...
The smile in Luke's eyes deepens, then a faint kiss lands on your cheek.
You touch your thumping heart, unable to stop yourself from smiling...
This change of identity... is a tacit sweetness between you and Luke.
